What is Placemaking?
Part of the plan development process includes thinking about what goes into making great spaces. Our project team has developed guiding principles for the revitalization of Lincoln’s Downtown Corridors to help lay the groundwork for accomplishing the goals of the project.
Guiding Design Principles.
The Destination
Define a vision for downtown; create the new identity
The overall vision is more powerful than any of the individual parts
Create a dynamic destination
Allow the goal of the greater destination to serve as a benchmark for all design and planning decisions going forward
Define the local vernacular
Public Realm & Infrastructure
Define an experience that begins at the gateway but lasts throughout
Develop a seamless pedestrian experience
Design the infrastructure to allow for growth and sustainability of the program
Embrace and improve the functionality of the public realm
Circulation
Approach the streets as a unifying force in the layout of the downtown destination
Understand what systems are valued by the users
Look at ‘movement systems’, not vehicular systems
Organize traffic patterns
Develop guidelines for setbacks and spatial dimensionality
Promote walkability
The Site
Minimize environmental impact
Create an impactful design solution
Capitalize on downtown’s natural characteristics, eliminating or improving on any negative factors
Consider all aspects of the corridors equally with goals and objectives in mind
Open Space
Create an intuitive pedestrian experience
Create a framework that permits people to orient themselves to their physical surroundings
Focal elements organize spaces, create interest and provide guides in wayfinding
Understand how the community used the roadway system and open space program
The Destination
Embrace the local and regional culture and celebrate it
Create unique destinations that call attention to the unique features of place
Build on what makes downtown authentic
Preserve authenticity
What makes a successful place?
Public Space.
To build a successful public space, we need an understanding of community tendencies and ideals, and how they shift in response to social change.
Influence.
We look at public space as the locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships. The ‘sphere of influence’ in our lives shape these spaces which offer a forum for social interaction, recreation, entertainment, relaxation and community building.
Pillars of the Public Realm.
Placemaking focuses on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well being. The social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors need to be weighed equally during the visioning process.